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New U.S. guidelines for male circumcision show health advantages

Two influential American medical organizations have endorsed new U.S. guidelines that say the health benefits of infant circumcision outweigh any risks.

Canadians, however, will have to wait another six to twelve months to hear what this nation’s leading group of pediatricians will say on the sometimes controversial issue of circumcising baby boys.

In its policy statement — the first new one since 1999 — the American Academy of Pediatrics cites evidence showing health advantages for male circumcision, specifically the prevention of urinary tract infections, penile cancer and some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

While the academy suggests the medical benefits justify the procedure be paid for by insurers, the pediatricians group falls short of endorsing routine circumcision for all male infants, stating clearly that the choice should ultimately be up to parents.

In Canada, rates of circumcision have fallen over the last 15 years. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), 35,731 male infants were circumcised in Canadian hospitals in 1995-1996, while 10,629 babies had the procedure in 2010-2011.

In a statement released today, the CPS said it is currently reviewing the latest research, and that an updated position statement should be published within the next six to twelve months.

CPS President Dr. Richard Stanwick said the society is actively reviewing new studies on circumcision so it can develop evidence-based recommendations for Canadians.

He pointed out that demographics in the U.S. are different than those in Canada.

“We want to make sure the evidence that has been generated, which in many instances is not from North America, is applicable to our situation,” he said, adding that the CPS statement may well parallel the American guidelines. “But we want to make sure that this is a statement written by Canadians for Canadians.”

Stanwick also emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with parents.

“It’s a personal decision each family needs to make for their own baby,” he said. “Hopefully with the new information, doctors and others who use these statements will be in a better position to help them discuss and determine the medical merits or potential risks.”

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